Baca beat Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final

BARCELONA bounced back from back-to-back defeats to beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

An Eder Militao own goal separated the sides at the Bernabeu despite the hosts having more possession and chances.

It is a welcome result for Barca after they lost to Manchester United in the Europa League and Almeria in La Liga.

Xavi's side defended deep after taking the lead and their discipline earned a narrow advantage to take into the second leg at the Nou Camp on April 5.

Defensive Barca dig deep Barca are top of La Liga but Xavi's side will have gone into the game feeling fragile after their elimination from Europe and a shock league defeat at the weekend.

The former midfielder made five changes to his starting team, including an entirely new back four.

The opening moment of noteworthy action was Vinicius Junior throwing Frenkie de Jong to the turf via a headlock, but it was the visitors who took the lead - and in farcical circumstances.

In Barca's first attack of the game, Franck Kessie's shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois but ricocheted back off Militao and